6 day itinerary for North Islands New Zealand

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 6 days in the North Island of New Zealand, taking into account your constraints:

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

• Pick up your rental car from the airport and drive to your accommodation in Auckland.
• Spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city, stroll through the Auckland Domain park, and check out the vibrant waterfront area.

Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands

• Drive north to the beautiful Bay of Islands region, known for its stunning beaches and islands.
• Take a scenic cruise around the bay, stopping at some of the islands along the way. You might even spot some dolphins or whales!
• Enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area.

Day 3: Bay of Islands

• Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands. Visit the historic town of Russell, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or take a hike in the nearby forests.
• In the evening, relax with a glass of wine and watch the sunset over the bay.

Day 4: Bay of Islands to Rotorua

• Drive south to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland known for its hot springs, mud pools, and geysers.
• Visit Te Puia, a Maori cultural center where you can learn about traditional Maori culture and see the famous Pohutu geyser.
• Enjoy a traditional hangi feast, cooked using geothermal steam.

Day 5: Rotorua

• Spend the day exploring Rotorua. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pools, or take a dip in one of the natural hot springs in the area.
• For something more adventurous, try ziplining through the forest or mountain biking on one of the many trails in the area.

Day 6: Rotorua to Auckland

• Drive back to Auckland, stopping at the Hobbiton Movie Set on the way if you're a Lord of the Rings fan.
• Spend your last day in Auckland exploring some of the city's hidden gems, such as the Auckland Art Gallery or the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Auckland's many excellent restaurants.

I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for your trip to the North Island of New Zealand!